Toronto – March of Dimes Canada and Heart & Stroke announced today a new collaboration, drawing on the complementary strengths, expertise and resources of each organization to optimize recovery after stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of disability in Canada.
“This collaboration will significantly enhance the wellbeing of people living with stroke and their families by combining March of Dimes Canada’s extensive experience serving people with disabilities with the vast knowledge of Heart & Stroke regarding stroke best practices,” says Len Baker, president and CEO of March of Dimes Canada. “Together, we will create a new, comprehensive network of support that connects people to evidence-based information and services closer to home, so they can achieve their goals and rebuild their lives.”
Each year in Canada, more than 62,000 people experience a stroke. Because of the world-class care provided by acute care stroke centres and hospitals across the country, more people than ever before are surviving stroke. Among them, 60% are left with some level of stroke-related disability, and more than half require some amount of assistance in daily activities during recovery.
However, beyond the hospital walls, there are significant gaps and inconsistencies in the available practical and psychosocial supports for stroke recovery and community reintegration. Resources differ widely by location and can be difficult to access and navigate. This can compound isolation, increase stress and, ultimately, result in many people not receiving the care and support they need.
“Heart & Stroke is so pleased to be embarking on this strategic partnership with March of Dimes Canada,” says Doug Roth, CEO, Heart & Stroke. “By working together, we will be able to further amplify our best-in-class resources and leadership for people who experience stroke and their caregivers throughout their recovery journey.”
Anchored in the lived experiences of people who have had a stroke and their families, the March of Dimes Canada and Heart & Stroke partnership will focus on:
- Integrating stroke best practices into community-based services by sharing the most recent evidence-based, best practice driven guidelines, resources, and materials for professional and public audiences.
- Building on-the-ground capacity for high-quality stroke support through the partnership, education, and training programs.
- Creating new resources and learning opportunities for people living with stroke and their families through a shared vision for stroke services in Canada.
Both organizations will collaborate to co-create and deploy new support mechanisms, resources and educational materials for individuals and families impacted by stroke so they can live their best lives. Increased opportunities for engagement will be made available for people living with the aftereffects of stroke, including education and awareness, made possible by Heart & Stroke's leadership in the development of best practice resources and evidence-based stroke programs, and March of Dimes Canada's leadership in the design and delivery of personalized stroke services.
About March of Dimes Canada
March of Dimes Canada is a nationally registered charitable organization that has been providing support services to people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers across Canada for 70 years. Our goal is to enhance the independence and community participation of people with disabilities every day through a wide range of programs and services across Canada. Now we’re applying that expertise to build After Stroke, so we can support, connect and inspire every person impacted by stroke nationwide.
For more information, please visit www.marchofdimes.ca or call 1-800-263-3463.
About Heart & Stroke
Life. We don’t want you to miss it. That’s why Heart & Stroke leads the fight against heart disease and stroke. We must generate the next medical breakthroughs, so people in Canada don’t miss out on precious moments. Together, we are working to promote health, save lives and enhance recovery through research, health promotion and public policy. heartandstroke.ca.
Recently, Heart & Stroke released a new creative concept, Beat as One, to unite people in Canada as a community against the myriad of issues surrounding heart disease and stroke. Learn more and join us to beat heart disease and stroke.
Contact information
Heart & Stroke
Alicia D’Aguiar
Communications Advisor
647-821-0133
alicia.daguiar@heartandstroke.ca
March of Dimes Canada
Joan Patch
Communications Specialist
437-331-9035
jpatch@marchofdimes.ca
Jennifer Spencer
Associate Director, Communications
416-710-9213
jspencer@marchofdimes.ca